Are You At Ease in Zion? - Ajay Chakravarthy - October 4, 2020
http://rlcfchurch.org/are-you-ease-zion River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The sermon warns against being complacent in the church, referencing Amos 6:1. Drawing parallels from Daniel's account, the speaker emphasizes that true spiritual depth requires obedience in small matters, as demonstrated by Daniel's commitment to purity. Ultimately, the message stresses that the church needs the genuine, heaven-sent prophetic word from the Holy Spirit, as anything else is mere speculation and leads to spiritual death.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Are you at ease in Zion?The speaker introduces the solemn warning of being at ease in the church, referencing Amos chapter 6 and leading into the example of King Belshazzar who knew the truth but did not humble his heart.Amos 6:1
Obeying God in the small thingsTaken to Babylon at seventeen, Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the king's food, learning the vital principle that obeying God in small things prepares a person for greater challenges.
Desperate prayer for the king's dreamFacing execution along with the wise men because no one could tell King Nebuchadnezzar his dream, Daniel and his friends prayed with intense desperation until God revealed the secret.
The need for a true prophetic wordJust as Daniel needed a word from heaven to bring life instead of death, believers today must seek God for the Holy Spirit's prophetic word to build up and encourage others rather than relying on human gossip.1 Corinthians 14:24–25
Knocking for the bread of lifeUsing the parable of the midnight visitor, the speaker emphasizes that the bread of life and spiritual words only come through persistent asking and seeking, not through spiritual ease.
Nebuchadnezzar's second dream and renewed easeTwenty-five years after the first event, Nebuchadnezzar became comfortable and at ease in his house again before receiving a warning dream about a great tree being cut down.
Daniel warns the king to repentDespite the king's past mistreatment, Daniel wished him no evil and courageously urged him to break away from sins by righteousness and mercy to prolong his prosperity.
The king's pride and sudden humblingTwelve months after the warning, while walking on his palace roof and boasting in his own majesty, Nebuchadnezzar was immediately stripped of his kingdom and driven away like a beast.
The testimony of a humbled heartAfter seven years, Nebuchadnezzar raised his eyes toward heaven, his reason returned, and he praised God, demonstrating that the Almighty is able to humble those who walk in pride.
The hypocrisy of false humilityJesus taught humility through the parable of taking the lowest seat, warning against the hypocrisy of seeking the honor of men while pretending to be humble.Matthew 18:4
Belshazzar's feast and the fall of BabylonConfidant in thick walls and careless ease, Belshazzar used the temple vessels for a feast, ignoring God's warnings while enemies diverted the Euphrates river and conquered the city in a single night.
The roots of Sodom and careless easeSodom and Gomorrah fell due to arrogance, an abundance of food, and careless ease; believers are similarly warned not to fall asleep spiritually while the enemy seeks to destroy them.
Having a light touch on this worldBelievers are instructed to use the world without making full use of it, mirroring Gideon's soldiers who maintained a light touch rather than immersing themselves entirely in worldly things.1 Corinthians 7:30–31
Called to active service as soldiersGod has enlisted believers for active military service rather than the reserves, requiring them not to be entangled with the affairs of this world.
Arising from spiritual slumber to seek the LordUsing imagery from the Song of Solomon, the speaker urges believers to get out of spiritual beds of ease, cultivate a secret devotion to Christ, and seek life-giving words for a weary church.Song of Solomon 3:1
